Kickflips To Cash Flow: Pro Skater-Turned-Entrepreneur Mikey Taylor Rolls His Way To A $40m Empire With Commune Capital

In a world where ollies and grinds once defined his days, Mikey Taylor has taken the skateboarding spirit to a whole new arena, proving that the thrill of the ride extends far beyond the halfpipe. Mikey's journey is a saga of audacious ambition, from mastering tricks on a board to mastering the art of entrepreneurship. Strap in for a tale that defies gravity—where kickflips transformed into cash flow, and a passion for skating paved the way to a staggering $40 million empire, all under the banner of Commune Capital. Get ready to witness the ride of a lifetime.

Mikey Taylor's journey from pro skater to entrepreneur

Taylor began his career as a skateboarder, competing in popular events such as ESPN's X Games and the Street League Skateboarding competition. He turned pro at 19 and enjoyed success in the industry, earning a six-figure income by 24.

However, Taylor knew that his skateboarding career had a limited lifespan and decided to plan for his future. He sought financial advice from a family friend and learned about budgeting, investing, and risk management. This early exposure to financial literacy laid the foundation for his future success.

Overview of Commune Capital and its success

In 2018, Taylor used the proceeds from selling his stake in Saint Archer Brewing Co. to launch Commune Capital, a real estate investment firm. The company specializes in purchasing and developing apartment buildings and self-storage facilities nationwide.

Under Taylor's leadership, Commune Capital has experienced significant growth, managing over $200 million in real estate assets. The firm offers opportunities for accredited investors to invest in its asset-backed lending portfolio, providing loans to commercial real estate owners.

Taylor has also leveraged his social media following to educate others about financial literacy and inspire them to pursue their entrepreneurial journeys. He shares valuable insights on investing, budgeting, and building wealth through his accounts on Instagram and TikTok.

From Skateboarding To Real Estate

How Taylor's skateboarding background influenced his mindset

Taylor credits his early challenges in skateboarding for shaping his attitude and preparing him for the world of entrepreneurship. Skateboarders have a unique perspective on obstacles, viewing them as opportunities rather than roadblocks. This mindset helped Taylor develop a keen eye for identifying potential in the real estate market.

Taylor explains, "There was a part of skateboarding that changed how I looked at the world. I never considered a handrail as anything other than a means to help you walk down or upstairs. When I saw somebody skate on a handrail, everything changed."

Transitioning from skateboarding to real estate investing

After a successful career in skateboarding, Taylor knew he needed to plan for his future beyond the sport. He sought guidance from a family friend and financial advisor who taught him about budgeting, paying himself first, and making wise investments. Taylor started investing in the stock market and bonds at a young age and continued to follow his advisor's advice by investing in a self-storage facility.

Building on his early success, Taylor co-founded Saint Archer Brewing Co., which was later sold for over $35 million. This sale gave Taylor the financial freedom to pursue his passion for investing in real estate. In 2018, he launched Commune Capital, which focuses on buying and developing apartment buildings and self-storage facilities nationwide.

Early Investments And Financial Freedom

Taylor's early investments and their impact on his financial freedom

Taylor's path to financial freedom began during his skateboarding career. Recognizing the short lifespan of a professional skateboarder, Taylor started investing in the stock market and bonds at the age of 20. He followed the guidance of his financial advisor, Randal Sanada, who taught him about risk and return.

In 2005, Taylor made his first foray into real estate by investing in a self-storage facility. This initial investment laid the groundwork for his future success. As he began receiving quarterly dividends from his real estate investments, Taylor realized the potential for a life beyond skateboarding.

Driven by the idea of achieving financial freedom through real estate, Taylor made strategic moves to maximize his investment opportunities. He lived frugally, investing as much money as possible rather than indulging in a lavish lifestyle. This disciplined approach allowed him to accumulate wealth and position himself for future success.

Living frugally to maximize investment opportunities

Despite earning a substantial income as a professional skateboarder, Taylor chose to live below his means. By keeping his expenses low and investing most of his earnings, he built a solid financial foundation. This frugal lifestyle enabled him to invest in ventures like Saint Archer Brewing Co., which he later sold for over $35 million.

Taylor's commitment to living frugally and making smart investment choices paved the way for his transition into real estate entrepreneurship. Today, through Commune Capital, he continues to inspire others with his journey and provide financial advice through his social media platforms.

Launching Commune Capital

Using the proceeds from the sale of Saint Archer Brewing Co.

Taylor and two partners started Saint Archer Brewing Co. in 2012 through investor fundraising. They sold the brewery to MillerCoors three years later for more than $35 million. This windfall allowed Taylor to become financially free at 33 and paved the way for his transition into real estate.

Focus on buying and developing apartment buildings

With the launch of Commune Capital, Taylor focused on purchasing and developing apartment buildings, primarily in California. He believed investing in one apartment building with multiple units was more manageable than buying individual homes. However, Commune Capital has since expanded its investments to include self-storage facilities nationwide.

Taylor's success as a pro skateboarder and his quick learning ability have translated into his entrepreneurial endeavors. He now uses his social media platforms, with over 821,000 followers on Instagram and 659,000 followers on TikTok, to share financial advice and promote financial literacy.

Through Commune Capital, Taylor aims to inspire other skaters and individuals to build a successful life after their careers. His journey from kickflips to cash flow is a testament to the power of determination and strategic investing.

Expansion Into Self-Storage Facilities

After achieving financial freedom through real estate, Taylor diversified his portfolio by investing in self-storage facilities.

Diversifying the portfolio with investments in self-storage facilities

Recognizing the potential in the self-storage industry, Taylor saw an opportunity to expand his real estate empire. Self-storage facilities provide a steady income stream and have a lower risk than other real estate investments. With the increasing demand for storage space, Taylor believed this sector would be a lucrative addition to his portfolio.

By acquiring self-storage properties across the country, including locations in Connecticut, Iowa, and Washington, Taylor has been able to leverage his expertise and experience in real estate to grow his business further. These investments have allowed him to generate passive income and build wealth beyond his skateboarding career.

Benefits and challenges of investing in this sector

Investing in self-storage facilities offers several advantages. Firstly, a consistent demand for storage space makes it a recession-resistant investment. Additionally, self-storage facilities require minimal maintenance compared to other types of properties.

However, there are also challenges associated with this sector. Competition can be fierce, especially in densely populated areas with multiple facilities. It is crucial to carefully analyze market conditions and choose locations with high demand and limited competition.

Despite the challenges, Taylor's success in the self-storage industry demonstrates the potential for entrepreneurs to find opportunities outside their initial field of expertise. By diversifying his portfolio and leveraging his real estate knowledge, Taylor has built a $40 million empire with Commune Capital.

Spreading Financial Literacy

Taylor's mission is to inspire and educate others through social media

Mikey Taylor is utilizing Commune Capital to develop a real estate empire while spreading financial education. Taylor has built up quite a social media following and uses it to spread his message of financial independence.

Teaching financial literacy and sharing personal experiences

Through his accounts on Instagram and TikTok, Taylor shares valuable insights and lessons on financial literacy. With over 821,000 followers on Instagram and 659,000 followers on TikTok, he has a significant reach to spread his message.

Taylor's videos cover many topics, including investment strategies, budgeting techniques, and personal finance tips. He draws from his own experiences as a skateboarder who transitioned into the world of real estate investing. His fresh outlook strikes a chord with listeners and yields helpful tips for bettering one's financial situation.

Taylor encourages others to take charge of their financial futures by detailing his own experiences and teaching them the lessons he has learned along the way to financial freedom. His mission is to show that anyone can succeed and build wealth with the right mindset and knowledge.

Through his efforts to spread financial literacy, Mikey Taylor is positively impacting the lives of many individuals who aspire to achieve financial freedom.

Overcoming Challenges And Building Resilience

Lessons learned from skateboarding and applying them to business

Skateboarding taught Taylor to see obstacles as opportunities. He learned to approach challenges uniquely, finding creative solutions to navigate them. This mindset has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial endeavors, allowing him to think outside the box and find innovative ways to grow his business.

Taylor's successful transition and ability to adapt

Taylor's transition from skateboarding to entrepreneurship was challenging. However, his determination and willingness to adapt were crucial to his success. He recognized the importance of financial literacy early on and sought guidance from a family friend who taught him valuable budgeting, investing, and risk management lessons.

In preparation for his post-skateboarding life, Taylor invested in the stock market and real estate. He made strategic decisions and surrounded himself with knowledgeable professionals who helped him navigate the world of finance. As a result, he amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune and was finally able to quit his job.

Taylor's Impact On Thousand Oaks

Running for city council and making a difference in the community

Taylor was recently elected to the Thousand Oaks city council for four years. His decision to run for office stems from the positive impact of the Conejo Valley on his life, as he has lived in the area his entire life and is now raising his family there. Taylor's goal is to ensure that Thousand Oaks continues to impact future generations.

Collaborating with local government on development projects

As a city council member, Taylor is committed to protecting the cherished open spaces and community charm of Thousand Oaks while also addressing the need for more housing. He recognizes the importance of meeting the strict regulations set by the state while preserving what makes the city special. Taylor understands that housing is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in industries like biotech, and he supports opportunities to convert under-utilized properties into residential spaces.

Taylor's impact goes beyond his role as a council member. He has collaborated with local government on various development projects, including securing grants for affordable housing initiatives and finding locations for temporary housing navigation centers. His dedication to housing affordability and homelessness demonstrates his commitment to improving the community.

Overall, Mikey Taylor's presence in Thousand Oaks as a city council member has had a significant impact. His focus on preserving the city's unique character while addressing important issues like housing affordability showcases his dedication to serving the community and making a positive difference.

Conclusion

Summary of Taylor's journey and achievements with Commune Capital

Mikey Taylor, a former professional skateboarder, has become a successful entrepreneur and real estate mogul. Through his company, Commune Capital, Taylor manages over $200 million worth of real estate, including self-storage properties and apartment buildings. He has used his platform to educate others on financial freedom and has become a prominent figure in the skateboarding and business communities.

Taylor's journey began with his passion for skateboarding, which taught him to see obstacles as opportunities. After turning pro at a young age, he realized the importance of planning for his future and sought guidance from a financial advisor. He started investing in the stock market and bonds at age 20 and later ventured into real estate by investing in a self-storage facility.

His early investments paid off, and Taylor eventually sold his stake in Saint Archer Brewing Co., a business he co-founded, for over $35 million. This allowed him to achieve financial freedom at the age of 33. He then launched Commune Capital, focusing on buying and developing apartment buildings and self-storage facilities.

Final thoughts on the intersection of skateboarding, entrepreneurship, and financial success

Mikey Taylor's story highlights the potential for success from pursuing one's passions and embracing entrepreneurship. His rise from skateboarding to real estate moguldom exemplifies the power of long-term thinking and prudent investment.

Skateboarding teaches valuable skills such as resilience, creativity, and adaptability, which can be applied to various aspects of life, including business. Taylor's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs who may come from unconventional backgrounds.

By sharing his knowledge and experiences through social media platforms, Taylor inspires others to pursue financial literacy and create their pathways to success. His story demonstrates that anyone can achieve financial independence and build a thriving business with determination, strategic thinking, and a willingness to learn.